Our NFL Sundays have returned and per the usual, it’s a life-changing experience. It was a glorious day of football and it did not disappoint. There was a little bit of everything from a fantasy perspective. Let’s dive into my Week 1 takeaways.
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Quarterbacks
- Player: Anthony Richardson
- Game: vs. Texans
The second-year QB was impressive in Week 1, finishing as QB2. AR-15 threw for 212 passing yards, two passing TDs, 56 rushing yards, and a rushing score. Richardson completed three passes of more than 50 yards and left a couple of passes on the field. The sky is the limit for this young man, enjoy the ride.
- Player: Baker Mayfield
- Game: vs. Commanders
The QB1 on opening weekend threw for 289 yards and his four passing touchdowns were the most in Week 1. The Commanders did give up the most points to QBs in ’23. The Bucs travel to Detroit in Week 2 who allowed the third most points to QBs last season.
Notables:
Sam Darnold looked very competent as the signal caller for the Vikings to the chagrin of Justin Jefferson’s shareholders. He gets a real test at home against the 49ers in Week 2.
Josh Allen finished as QB2, totaling four TDs, two passing, and two rushing vs. the Cardinals. New WRs, same results.
Tua Tagovailoa threw a Week 1 high 338 yards vs. Jaguars.
Matt Stafford was 34-49 for 317 yards with one TD and one pick. His 34 completions were the most by a QB and he was one of two QBs over 300 passing yards.
Jayden Daniels’ rushing prowess is a sight to behold in fantasy. He could easily finish every week as a top-five QB. Daniels was QB3 in his first game as a pro.
Running Backs
- Player: Joe Mixon
- Game: at Indianapolis
Mixon scored the second-most fantasy points among RBs in Week 1. He rushed 30 times for 159 yards with one TD and added three receptions for 19 yards. Mixon adds a new element to the Texans’ offense and looks like a draft-day steal. The Houston workhorse led all RBs with 33 touches, 30 carries and 159 rushing in Week 1.
- Player: Rhamondre Stevenson
- Game: at Cincinnati
Stevenson led the Patriots to a surprise win over the Bengals. Due to a positive game script, Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards, one rushing score, adding three grabs for 19 yards. He’s a good sell-high candidate after this performance.
Notables:
Najee Harris out-touched Jaylen Warren 21 to 4. Week 2 will be telling to see how this backfield looks with a road game in Denver.
De’Von Achane drew the most snaps at 55% in the Dolphins’ backfield. He scored the lone rushing TD while adding seven catches for 76 yards. His seven receptions were the most by an RB in Week 1.
James Cook is the unquestioned lead back in Buffalo rushing 19 times for 71 yards, and securing three passes for 32. Scoring could still be an issue as Allen vultured two TDs.
Kenneth Walker III rushed 20 times for 103 yards and one score. He did leave the game in the fourth with an abdominal injury but could be on the verge of a breakout if his health allows.
J.K. Dobbins is BACK after rushing for 135 yards and one score. He is the preferred back with the Chargers. Congrats if you drafted him. If not, Dobbins should be a top waiver add.
The Lions’ offensive line will allow Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to each have weekly top-20 upside.
Five RBs rushed over 100 yards and 10 backs totaled over 100 yards in Week 1.
Wide Receivers
- Player: Tyreek Hill
- Game: vs. Jaguars
Cheetah started his Sunday in the news for the wrong reasons but finished his day as the WR3 in Week 1. Hill tallied seven receptions for 130 yards and one TD on 12 targets. Hill should remain the top WR throughout this season. Jaylen Waddle also went over the century mark in receiving yards.
- Player: Cooper Kupp
- Game: at Detroit
Kupp was the featured player for the Rams after Puka Nacua left the game with a knee injury. He caught a Week 1 high 14 passes for 110 yards with one TD on 21 targets. The 21 targets were by far the most on Sunday and is the second time in his career to draw 20+ targets in a game. If Nacua misses time, Kupp should see all the targets he can handle.
Notables:
The Texans WR duo did not disappoint in their season opener. Stefon Diggs snatched six passes for 33 yards and two TDs en route to a WR9 finish. Nico Collins caught six passes for 117 yards. They will have a date with the Bears in Week 2.
Mike Evans and Mayfield’s connection continued from last season as Evans ended Week 1 as the overall WR5 securing two TDs off five grabs for 61 yards. His teammate, Chris Godwin, was WR10 posting eight catches for 83 yards and one TD.
Marvin Harrison Jr. caught one pass for three yards. Drake London secured two passes for 15 yards. Chris Olave tallied two passes for 11 yards. DO NOT PANIC.
Jameson Williams outperformed Amon Ra St. Brown, catching five passes for 121 yards, one TD on nine targets.
Nine WRs caught over 100 yards and eight WRs drew at least 10 targets in Week 1.
Tight Ends
Notables:
Saints’ Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson each caught a TD, finishing as top-five TEs in Week 1. That wasn’t on my bingo card.
Rookie Brock Bowers caught the second-most passes for TE in Week 1, posting six receptions for 58 yards on eight targets.
Trey McBride drew the second most targets among TEs with nine, securing 5 passes for 30 yards.
Kyle Pitts was the most productive big-name TE, posting three grabs for 26 yards and one TD.
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Cheers!